Senior Animal Ethics Officer

Job no: 0017159
Location: Parkville
Role type: Full-time; Continuing
Department/School: Research, Innovation and Commercialisation
Salary: UOM 7 – $102,338-$110,780 p.a. plus 17% super

• Oversee the operations of the University’s Animal Ethics Committees (AECs)
• Gain a unique insight into leading research practices and collaborate with top researchers
• UOM 7 – $102,338-$110,780 p.a. plus 17% super, flexible and hybrid work environment!

About the Role
This presents an exciting opportunity to join our team and take on the responsibility of overseeing the operations of the University's Animal Ethics Committees (AECs). In this role, you will play a crucial part in providing centralized and streamlined end-to-end administrative support to researchers in their animal ethics-related submissions.

As a Senior Research Ethics Officer, you will offer high-level guidance on animal ethics matters, drawing on your extensive knowledge of ethical research principles and regulatory frameworks. Your contribution will be essential in shaping the future development and effective implementation of the University's administration of animal research ethics, including its policy and procedure framework.

You will also be regarded as a subject matter expert by key stakeholders, providing expert advice and delivering training programs. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the field of animal ethics.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Directly manage and provide supervision to designated Research Ethics Officers (REOs) in their day-to-day work.
• Contribute to management of service – tracking performance of ethics committees, managing relationships with Committee Chairs.
• Keep track of updates on the Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes, as well as other business-related legislations.
• Strategically collect and collate operational data within the responsible committee portfolio, perform initial data analysis, identify operational issues where possible and conduct root cause analysis.
• Maintain ongoing and open communications with other ESS areas such as Business Analytics, Research Ethics Advisors and Animal Care and Use Advisors, to promote shared goals.

Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking an individual who possesses strong engagement and communication skills, enabling them to effectively negotiate, motivate, and influence key stakeholders. Additionally, you should have the capacity to work with limited context, utilizing sound judgment to provide exceptional service, all while maintaining a commitment to continuous improvement.

You will also have:

• Demonstrated knowledge relating to the principles and conduct of ethical research, external regulatory frameworks (i.e. Victorian Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA Act), Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition 2013), and the ability to interpret policies and regulatory requirements for different stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated experience in leading a small team of professional staff to ensure the delivery of day-to-day core business, with demonstrated ability to communicate key objectives, support staff to achieve operational goals, provide affirming and adjusting feedback to direct reports based on behaviours and performance, and focus on high-performing, proactive service delivery and continuous improvement in a large and complex environment.
• Demonstrated capacity to work with limited context and direction, showing adaptability and resilience in the provision of service and showing a commitment to continuous improvement.
• The ability to recognise possible points of concern or contention, and to assess how these can be most effectively handled, including the ability to exercise mature judgement and discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.

For further information regarding responsibilities and requirements, please refer to the attached PD.

This position requires the incumbent to hold a current and valid Working with Children Check to ensure the University provides a safe environment for everyone.

Please note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. This role requires current valid work rights for Australia.

Your New Team – Research, Innovation and Commercialisation
Research, Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC) is the central facilitator of research funding in the University, taking advantage of the full diversity of research funding opportunities. The Office of Research Ethics and Integrity (OREI) provides expert advice, guidance and training to facilitate the ethical and responsible conduct of research. We partner with Chancellery and Academic Divisions to support multiple key areas of governance and oversight including: research integrity, human and animal research ethics, gene technology, biosecurity and biosafety, animal welfare, export controls, autonomous sanctions, quality assurance and clinical trials.

What We Offer You!
In addition, we offer the opportunity to be part of a vibrant community and enjoy a range of benefits, including generous leave provisions, salary packaging, health and well-being services and discounts on graduate courses. For more information, check out our benefits  page!

About the University of Melbourne
We’re tightly connected with the community, both at home and abroad. We take pride in our people, who all contribute to our mission to benefit society through the transformative impact of education and research. Discover more via our website  and stay connected with our stories and people on LinkedIn .   

Be Yourself
The University of Melbourne values the unique backgrounds, experiences and contributions that each person brings to our community and welcomes and celebrates diversity.  First Nations people, those identifying as LGBTQIA+, parents, carers, people of all ages, abilities and genders, and people of diverse ethnicity, nationality and faith are encouraged to apply. Our aim is to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live. For more information please visit our Diversity and Inclusion page.

We are dedicated to ensuring barrier free and inclusive practices to recruit the most talented candidates. If you require any reasonable adjustments with the recruitment process, please contact the email address listed at the bottom of the page.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Applicants
We aspire to be the University of choice for Indigenous Australians, with unprecedented investment to attract, nurture and retain Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and staff. Tangible support through a range of programs and initiatives will ensure that you personally succeed and flourish while at the University of Melbourne.

For further information, including our 2023-2027 Indigenous strategy please visit -https://about.unimelb.edu.au/reconciliation/murmuk-djerring

Join Us!
If you feel this role is right for you, please apply with the following documents: 

• Resume
• Cover Letter only outlining your response to the below 4 criteria

Please respond to the selection criteria in your Cover Letter. You do Not need to submit an additional document.

• Demonstrated knowledge relating to the principles and conduct of ethical research, external regulatory frameworks (i.e. Victorian Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA Act), Australian Code for the care and use of animals for scientific purposes 8th edition 2013), and the ability to interpret policies and regulatory requirements for different stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated experience in leading a small team of professional staff to ensure the delivery of day-to-day core business, with demonstrated ability to communicate key objectives, support staff to achieve operational goals, provide affirming and adjusting feedback to direct reports based on behaviours and performance, and focus on high-performing, proactive service delivery and continuous improvement in a large and complex environment.
• Demonstrated capacity to work with limited context and direction, showing adaptability and resilience in the provision of service and showing a commitment to continuous improvement.
• The ability to recognise possible points of concern or contention, and to assess how these can be most effectively handled, including the ability to exercise mature judgement and discretion when dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.

^For information to help you with compiling short statements to answer the selection criteria and competencies, please go to http://about.unimelb.edu.au/careers/selection-criteria

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process, please feel free to contact the Professional Talent Acquisition Team via email at Professional-TA@unimelb.edu.au , ensuring that you include the Position Number and the Job Title as the subject. Please do not share your application to this email address. 

If you have any particular questions regarding the job please follow the details listed on the Position Description.